he followed love to eagle river

Most people come to Alaska for the outdoors. Mateus came for love.

He's a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion who followed his heart to Eagle River, Alaska of all places. His wife Kylli grew up here — hockey, snowboarding, the whole Alaska upbringing. She found BJJ a few years ago and somewhere along the way found him too.

Now they've opened Raiz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together on Old Glenn Highway.

A world class gym built not just for athletes, but for Eagle River families and their kids.

They've already given a full year of free training to a local police officer through their Raiz Scholarship. That alone tells you everything you need to know about how communities are built.

More details below.